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TAMPA, Fla. — When he filled out his lineup card on Tuesday, Yankees manager Joe Girardi lived up to his weekend promise. He had vowed to use a starting lineup that would "really resemble" the Yankees' projected Opening Day lineup, and he did exactly that, starting with Derek Jeter and ending with Brett Gardner.

It was a clear sign that, halfway through the exhibition schedule, Gardner remains the favorite for an everyday role in the Yankees' outfield.

"What is it, March 16?" Gardner said. "We've still got a long way to go. We'll worry about that come April." ...